Jayson Shaugabay is drawing inspiration from former University of Minnesota Duluth linemate Dominic James as the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect pursues his own professional hockey career. Shaugabay and James played together for the Bulldogs during the 2024-25 season, when James served as team captain during his senior year. Shaugabay was a freshman in his first season with the program.
James recorded 30 points in 35 games during his final collegiate season, while Shaugabay contributed 12 goals and 26 points. The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Shaugabay in the 2023 fourth round. James’ emergence with the Lightning has given Shaugabay a direct example of a former teammate reaching the NHL.
“To see a guy like that who came up through the same program, same school as me and do all those things and make the NHL in his first year, just to see him do that and put the work in, it’s very inspiring to me because I know that it’s a possibility for me as well,” Shaugabay said.
Dominic James reaches the NHL
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed James as a free agent in September 2025. He earned a promotion from the AHL in October and secured a full-time role with the Lightning. James finished his rookie NHL season with seven goals and 15 points in 43 games.
Shaugabay continued to follow James’ progress after the promotion and said he was excited to see his former linemate succeed. Shaugabay also praised James’ leadership during their season together at the University of Minnesota Duluth. James was a captain who led by example on and off the ice, according to Shaugabay.
“He’s one of the best captains I’ve ever had. He’s just a great team guy, one of the hardest workers, and he leads by example on and off the ice,” Shaugabay said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an 18-year-old freshman who doesn’t play or if you’re one of the best players, he treats you the same. He loves everybody and he’s obviously a very good hockey player, so it’s fun to be around him.”
Shaugabay prepares for another season at Minnesota Duluth
Shaugabay recorded 43 points in 40 games for the Bulldogs during the following season. The 21-year-old center ranked fifth in the country with 32 assists. He is returning to the University of Minnesota Duluth for his junior NCAA season.
James continues to follow his former school and teammates while preparing for his second NHL season. He praised Shaugabay’s ability to control play with the puck and contribute defensively. James also described Shaugabay as a reliable linemate.
“Whenever he has the puck, he’s controlling the game. There’s not a single play that Shaugs can’t see or make. He’s very offensive-oriented, but that takes nothing away from his defensive game. He’s so trustworthy in the D-zone, and not only that, but he’s so strong on the puck…Shaugs is definitely a trustworthy linemate,” James said.
Shaugabay is participating in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s development camp as he works toward his professional hockey goals. He wants to earn a contract with the Lightning organization. James said Shaugabay’s approach to the game and daily life has made an impact on the program.
“It means a lot coming from a guy like Shaugs. He’s so passionate about the game and so detail-oriented about his every-day life leading him to the NHL, and I think that’s a big reason why I wanted to come back and play another year of college hockey is having an impact on the program,” James said.
James also expressed confidence in Shaugabay’s future at the professional level. “I think with Shaugs it’s only a matter of time until we see him playing in the NHL. It’s exciting for him to be going back for another year and getting a chance to dominate college hockey,” James said.
Source: Original report